Mentoring doesn't require a unique skill. It just takes a willingness to listen, offer encouragement, and share knowledge of what you've learned about life. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) would like to hear from you.
SCOE is seeking adult mentors to serve as positive role models for one hour a week as part of the LINKS Mentoring Program for high school students for the 2011-12 school year.
The target start date for the LINKS Mentoring Program is the week of September 5, 2011. Qualifying mentors may commit to a semester or the school year. Group mentoring sessions and activities center on themes including:
- Planning for the Future
- Interpersonal/Life Skills
- Financial Savvy and Money Management
- Career Exploration/Job Seeking Skills
- Community Service/Service Learning Projects
- Health and Wellness
The format of mentoring sessions includes individual and team mentoring in a group setting. Weekly mentoring sessions occur on a set meeting day and time determined by each participating school. SCOE staff members facilitate mentor sessions, organize activities, and provide materials and support. Meeting days and times for each site will be determined before sessions begin.
Prospective mentors will be provided orientation and training before beginning group mentoring sessions. Several orientation and training events are available during July and August, 2011. Orientation and training include: an overview of the program's mission and goals; summary of program policies; a description of the screening process, suitability requirements; qualities of successful mentors; the stages of the mentoring relationship; the level of commitment desired; benefits and rewards of participation in the program; communication tips and tools; and an opportunity to hear from returning mentors about their experiences in the program.
In addition to recruiting individual volunteer mentors, SCOE is interested in forming partnerships with businesses and organizations that would support their employees or members in volunteering one hour per week to serve as mentors for deserving high school students.
LINKS Mentors may select from the following participating school sites:
Elinor Hickey Jr. /Sr. High School (SCOE)
2040 Ethan Way
Sacramento, CA 95825North Area Jr. /Sr. High School (SCOE)
4000 Pinell Street
Sacramento, CA 95838Calvine High School (Elk Grove Unified School District)
8333 Vintage Park Drive
Sacramento 95828Kinney High School (Folsom Cordova Unified School District)
2710 Kilgore Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
The LINKS Mentoring Program is operated by the Sacramento County Office of Education's Prevention and Student Services (PASS) Department. The program is made possible through a grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
LINKS Mentoring is a part of the LINKS Program, a groundbreaking SCOE career technical education model aimed at helping underserved students succeed. LINKS services are tailored to individual students based on their specific needs instead of through traditional, scripted education. LINKS Mentoring is one more service aimed at helping young people develop leadership and life skills for personal success.
To learn more about the LINKS Mentoring Program and to apply to become a mentor, call (916) 228-2201.